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onerareviper is offline
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,343
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Re: Just Drove a New Lotus Elise!
Carrot,
Here was my review of the UK spec. version I drove about 1 year ago. Sound like you share many of my opinions.
O.K. I finally got a change to test drive the Euro version of the Elise 111s. For those of you that don't know, it is a 1,700 pound (give or take) little sports car that Lotus makes, and will be coming to America next year. The US version may be slightly heavier, but sport a Toyota 1.8 190HP motor. Expected cost is $38,000 - $43,000, depending on options.
Here's my opinion:
1.) Exterior - Not bad. Actually looks a bit better in the pictures below, than in person. It is just soooo small, it tends to look very feminine, IMO. In the pictures below, it does look kind of mean. In person, not so. Again, soooo small - smaller than an MR2. Looks best from direct front or rear. Side views are so-so. No trunk in the front. The engine is mid, and a small compartment is behind the engine for storage of 1 or 2 small bags. That's it. I believe the rims were 17' - looked sharp. But no wide rubber on this one. If I had to guess, around 215mm width. The roof is removable, and a hardtop will be available. The soft top does not fold into the car. You have to take that off as well, and there is no where to store in the car. Therefore, it is ON or OFF when you take the car out. If it rains with top off, your outta luck.
2.) Interior - Bare bones. US version will be a bit nicer. Getting in the car is a bear. With the roof on, I'm guessing you only have about 2 1/2 feet between side sill and roof. You will consider the Viper extremely easy to get in, compared to this car. You will never take this car to the grocery store, at least with the top on. It is borderline painful to contort you body to enter the car. Your girlfriend/wife will HATE THIS CAR WITH A PASSION. Getting in/out with a mini-skirt or dress would be all put impossible. With the targa roof off, it may be easier. Once you are actually in the car, it is very snug, and comfortable enough. I am around 6 foot, 220 (weight lifter build), and had no problem finding a comfortable driving position. Now if your looking for luxury, go elsewhere. The side sills are actually above your seating position, so getting out is a bear as well. But once in, it's fine. Pedals are postioned extreme right, and are VERY close. If your used to a Viper, you'll catch on quickly. Although, if you have wide feet, these pedals could pose a problem. The gas/brake are that close. Fit n' finish inside to car is what I call, kit car like. US version may be a bit better.
3.) Sound - Well, non-existent. You will not start this car and rumble the ground or scare the neighbors kids. It is very quite, and only begins to make noise around 6000 RPM+. It is a pleasing node, although 4 cylinders can only sound so good.
4.) Power - Now remember, I was driving the 160HP version vs. 190 HP US version. Not to mention I am 220, with the salesman weighing the same. But let me be blunt - THIS CAR IS SLOW. VERY SLOW. I was sooooo disappointed in the acceleration. And I was beating the bajesus out of it, running to redline. It took FOREVER to reach 100MPH. The car I drove was at best mid 15's, with passenger and I. Might crack into the 14's with driver only, and that's being generous. I can't imagine another 30 HP will make that much of a difference, so I will guess a mid-high 13 second car, AT BEST. Probably 14. Now if your driving on the highway in 4'th gear, 3,000 RPMS, it would take you until next week to reach 100MPH. You have to drive this car like you hate it to get ANY power. Earlier that week, I drove a buddies Mazda RX8 6-speed. It was much faster than the 160HP Elise. I'm guessing the 190HP version might match the acceleration of a RX8. So if you looking for a bullet, this ain't it....
5.) Handeling - First off, the steering wheel is extremely small. It feels good in your hands. No power steering here. Steering response is quick, but not quite as quick as the Viper. Seemed to be a little play in the steering wheel, so this may have hurt this area, and may be correctable. Body roll was there, but very minimal. The Viper GTS still has the stiffest frame in the business. Took the car to 60 MPH, and jerked the wheel back and forth a couple times. Just a slight hint of wiggle after straighten, vs. the Viper's none. OK. Here's the fun part - I was in this car 5 minutes, and I was pushing it to 8/10ths of its capability. It is so easy to drive fast around corners, and the Elise gives TONS of feedback. It BLOWS the Viper away in the category, as I feel the Viper is a bit numb. Would make an awesome autocross racer, if that's your thing. Ultimate grip was good, but I think the tires have seen better days. The Viper had more ultimate grip, but with good tires I think the Elise would surpass the Viper by a good margin. This car is very fun to drive like a maniac around corners, and you can easily control the car with steering/throttle input. We were in a large empty parking lot, so I was really pushing it.... On public roads, I wouldn't feel comfortable pushing it to 10/10ths like this, so the car is much more entertaining at a track vs. public roads. Although it would be frustrating at the same time, because you WILL get passed on the straights.
6.) Brakes - Not as good as I expected, although I think these brakes were beat to H*ll and back. I have no doubt the US version with new pads/calipers/ABS will haul you down in a hurry. So I will reserve my judgement until I test drive the US version. But since the car is so light, I would expect extreme braking performance.
Conclusion - Daily driver's need not apply. A fun little car that is entertaining to beat the crap out of, but that's what it takes to have fun in the Elise. Would be a fun track car, but I think a used spec Miata would give you all the same thrills for $30,000 less. Forget about taking your girl/wife in this car on a date, just to hard to get in and out of... The car is extremely small, and God forbid you get in an accident. You will understand once you drive the car. It is so small, and the door weighs about 5 pounds - at least it feels 5 pounds. Bottom line: Would be a fun little car to autocross or track, but on the street you will prefer the other performance cars. The positives - you are getting something very unique, that makes a good autocross/track car, has tons and tons of feel/feedback, that is street legal, for $40,000. Personally, I would go with a dedicated track car for a lot less, and buy a more powerful street car.
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